Turn this sauce into a heady soup by adding 4 cups stock or water at the end.

Ingredients

2teaspoons olive oil

2large Spanish onions, halved and sliced 1/4-inch thick

2garlic cloves, minced

4sprigs fresh thyme, left whole

2bay leaves

1/4cup dry sherry or brandy

1/4cup water or vegetable broth

Instructions

Heat oil in a large saute pan or skillet over medium heat. Add onions and spread evenly over bottom of pan. Stir occasionally while sauteing 8 to 10 minutes until they begin to turn golden brown. Add garlic, thyme and bay leaves; continue to saute. Add sherry or brandy while standing back from pan and flame. Add water or broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes longer. Serve as a sauce over your favorite protein.